Virtual queue system and method

ABSTRACT

A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a plurality of wearable devices and a virtual queue control system configured to maintain respective virtual queues for respective attractions and in communication with the plurality of virtual queuing attraction stations. The virtual queue control system is configured to receive communications from the plurality of virtual queuing stations and add guests to the respective virtual queues based on the communications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/309,306, entitled “Virtual Queue System and Method”and filed Mar. 16, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated hereinby reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusementparks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relateto methods and equipment utilized to manage amusement park experiences,including queuing for attractions.

Since the early twentieth century, amusement parks have substantiallygrown in popularity. In order to address this increasing demand,amusement parks have been expanding by adding attractions and space. Theaddition of attractions (e.g., rides, restaurants, shops, and shows)generally provides an amusement park with additional capacity to handlea larger number of guests. However, the additional attractions alsotypically provide potential guests with an incentive to visit theamusement park. Thus, while a particular amusement park may addadditional capacity, the additional capacity does not always result inan increased ability for guests to participate in park entertainment(e.g., shopping, viewing shows, riding rides) or reduced wait times forattractions. This is because there is often a corresponding increase inattendance. Further, due to operating efficiencies, it is oftendesirable to limit the availability of attractions during low attendancetimes. Thus, queuing for attractions, which may limit participation inpark activities, is a perennial issue for amusement parks.

While guests have demanded bigger, better, and more elaborateattractions, they also require and expect a positive overall experience.Providing a positive overall experience for amusement park guestsentails addressing certain issues related to queuing for attractions.Indeed, it is now recognized that park guests can be deterred fromreturning to a particular amusement park due to negative experienceswith queue waiting times. Further, guests may be prevented fromaccessing amusement park businesses (e.g., shops) due to time spentwaiting in queues. Indeed, in the past, guests have been forced to waithours in line to experience some of the more popular attractions at anamusement park. Additionally, it is now recognized that park capacitydoes not always equal guest utilization of that capacity due toindividual guest preferences for certain attractions over others.Accordingly, it is now recognized that it is desirable to improveamusement park queuing systems and methods.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimedsubject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intendedto limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments areintended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosedembodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety offorms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forthbelow.

In accordance with one embodiment, a virtual queue system is providedthat includes at least one wearable device comprising: a near fieldcommunicator; a medium range communicator; a long range communicator;and a display. The virtual queue system also includes a control systemstoring instructions that, when executed, cause the control system to:assign a user identification associated with the at least one wearabledevice to a position within a virtual queue for an attraction based oncommunication with the near field communicator; and communicate to oneor both of the medium range communicator and the long range communicatorthe position assigned to the user identification within the virtualqueue. The virtual queue system also includes an attraction stationlocated proximate the attraction and comprising: a station near fieldcommunicator configured to validate access to the attraction based onconfirmation of the user identification, received from the wearabledevice via the near field communicator, being associated with theposition in the virtual queue corresponding to an entry position of thevirtual queue for the attraction; and wherein one or both of the atleast one wearable device or the attraction station is configured togenerate a notification that the wearable device is associated with avalid access to the attraction.

In accordance with another embodiment, a virtual queue system isprovided that includes at least one wearable device comprising: a nearfield communicator; a medium range communicator; a long rangecommunicator; and a display. The virtual queue system also includes acontrol system storing instructions that, when executed, cause thecontrol system to: assign a user identification associated with the atleast one wearable device to a position within a virtual queue for anattraction based on communication with the near field communicator; andcommunicate to one or both of the medium range communicator and the longrange communicator, the position assigned to the user identificationwithin the virtual queue to cause the wearable device to display acountdown on the display when the position is within a predeterminedtime from valid entry to the attraction; and an attraction stationlocated proximate the attraction and comprising: a station near fieldcommunicator configured to validate access to the attraction based onconfirmation of the user identification, received from the wearabledevice via the near field communicator, being associated with theposition in the virtual queue corresponding to an entry position of thevirtual queue for the attraction.

In accordance with another embodiment, a virtual queue system isprovided that includes at least one wearable device comprising: a nearfield communicator; a medium range communicator; a long rangecommunicator; and a display. Also included is a virtual queue stationcomprising a near field communicator that receives a user identificationfrom the near field communicator of the at least one wearable device;and a virtual queue control system configured to receive the useridentification, wherein receiving the user identification causes thevirtual queue control system to execute instructions to:: assign theuser identification associated with the at least one wearable device toa position within a virtual queue for an attraction based oncommunication with the near field communicator; and communicate to oneor both of the medium range communicator and the long range communicatorthe position within the virtual queue assigned to the useridentification and positions of other wearable devices associated withthe user identification to cause the wearable device to display theposition and the wearable devices associated with the useridentification.

In accordance with another embodiment, a virtual queue system isprovided that includes at least one wearable device comprising: a nearfield communicator; a medium range communicator; a long rangecommunicator; and a display. Also included is a control system storinginstructions that, when executed, cause the control system to: assign auser identification associated with the at least one wearable device toa position within a virtual queue for an attraction based oncommunication with the near field communicator; and communicate to oneor both of the medium range communicator and the long range communicatorthe position assigned to the user identification within the virtualqueue to the wearable device associated with the user identification; anattraction station located proximate the attraction and comprising: astation near field communicator configured to validate access to theattraction based on confirmation of the user identification, receivedfrom the wearable device via the near field communicator, beingassociated with the position in the virtual queue corresponding to anentry position of the virtual queue for the attraction, wherein one orboth of the at least one wearable device or the attraction station isconfigured to generate a notification that the wearable device isassociated with a valid access to the attraction; and an effects stationconfigured to trigger a pre-programmed effect in response to receiving asignal from the near field communicator.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a theme park including a virtual queuesystem in accordance with present techniques;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an active wearable in accordance withpresent techniques; and

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a virtual queue system in accordance withpresent techniques.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Presently disclosed embodiments facilitate virtual queuing within atheme park. A virtual queue control system as provided herein managesqueuing for various attractions with the theme park to minimize oreliminate guest time spent waiting in a physical queue. In certainembodiments, a given attraction has a single virtual queue that isdynamically managed by the control system to add or remove guests,update positions in the queue, and send messages to the guests relatedto their queue positions. The system receives various inputs from theattractions and/or guests that are used to dynamically manage thevarious queues. In certain embodiments, queuing is mediated via guestdevices such as active wearables (e.g., bracelets, wearable tags,necklaces or badges, etc.) that are carried by or associated with theguests and that interact with various kiosks or check-in points topermit guest to enter attraction queues. In this manner, park guests mayenjoy the park without carrying paper tickets, identification, or othercredentials. For example, guests at a water park may not wish to managepaper tickets that can get wet. Further, because guests wearing bathingsuits have limited ability to carry identification items or handhelddevices, active wearables that are compatible with water activities(e.g., waterproof) may be a more convenient way to manage queueinformation than a mobile device.

The present disclosure relates to a virtual queue system for a themepark (e.g., water park), wherein the virtual queue (VQ) system mayinclude an active wearable device such as a wearable virtual queuewristband (which may be customizable with modules and decorativefeatures). In addition, the virtual queue system may be operated inconjunction with software for allocation of or entry to a virtual queuevia a “Tap-Point” module and software for ride validation via a“Tap-Point” module and other control system components. In accordancewith present embodiments, interconnection (protocols and applicationprogram interface (API)) of the virtual queue system and a guest profilesystem may be customizable to facilitate changing purposes.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system 100 for facilitatingqueuing in accordance with present embodiments. The system 100 includesa computer system 102, monitoring sensors 104, a wireless communicationsystem 106, system displays 108, active wearables 110 (e.g., a braceletincluding accessible data and communication features) and othercomponents that coordinate in accordance with present embodiments, aswill be described in detail below. Specifically, it should be noted thatpresent embodiments facilitate virtual queuing such that amusement parkguests 120 can obtain a position within a virtual queue and subsequentlyenter a physical queue or standby loading group 122 of limited length.Present embodiments may function to limit time spent by guests 120 inphysically waiting 122 and encourage participation in other areas of anamusement park, such as dining, shopping, and other entertainment venues(e.g., rides, shows). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the attractionqueue is mediated entirely via the virtual queue and without physicalqueues.

When guests 120 arrive at a ticketing location 124 (e.g., hotel frontdesk, kiosk, guest service counter, park gate), the guests 120 may beprovided with entry credentials (e.g., tickets or active wearables 110)among other items, such as a park map, virtual queuing instructions, andamenities instructions. Informational media (e.g., audio, video) andinstructional signage may be present at all such ticketing locations124. In some instances, guests 120 may have obtained entry credentialsprior to arrival and may skip acquiring such credentials at theticketing location 124.

Guests may enter and be provided entry into the park or a park area viaan entryway 126. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the entryway126 may exclude a physical turnstile or similar physical traversalcounting or control features that can provide an impediment to traversalof the entryway 126 when the entryway 126 is intended to be open. Thatis, the entryway 126 may be turnstile-less during operation. If guests120 already have their entry credentials or an identification code ornumber transferred into an active wearable (“AW”) 110, the guests 120may be provided essentially direct access to the park or park area. Forexample, guests 120 with properly activated AWs 110 may be allowed towalk through the entryway 126 without stopping. The credentialsassociated with the AW 110 being held or worn by the guests 120 will bedetected and provided to a gate monitoring facility 128 that may bemonitored by a park employee (e.g., a security service company). Forexample, this may include providing a photograph of the guest 120 (e.g.,a photograph of the guest's face) passing through the entryway 126.Thus, the photograph may be used for entry privilege confirmation. Inother embodiments, other features may be used, such as fingerprints orother identifying aspects (e.g., facial recognition). While certainembodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in conjunction with an AW110, it should be understood that the disclosed techniques may beimplemented with guest-associated devices that are configured towirelessly communicate guest information, such as pocket-carrieddevices, handheld devices, or mobile devices. In particular embodiments,the guest-associated devices are waterproof.

If guests 120 do not have their AW 110 with them or if their AW 110 isnot properly activated, they may insert ticket media 132 into a scanner134, which facilitates transfer of information to the gate monitoringfacility 128, which may include any of a number of gate monitoringsystems, and informs a park employee that the guest 120 is authorized toenter the park or park area. If authorization is granted in this manner,an AW 110 may be distributed to them and a photograph of the guest'sface automatically taken. For example, a photograph may be automaticallytaken by a camera 136 positioned proximate the entryway 126. The samecamera 136 may be used for monitoring purposes as well. In otherembodiments, the picture of guests 120 acquiring their AW 110 may occurin a different location. Further, in some embodiments, the guests 120may acquire their AW 110 after progressing through the entryway 126 orprior to progressing through the entryway 126.

Wait times may be ascertained by guests by viewing displays provided atnumerous locations throughout the park or park area. At the entrance ofcertain or all attractions, displays 108 provide the wait time for thespecific attraction. For example, the water slide 142 includes a display144 that specifically provides a wait time for that attraction. Theinformation for each display may be provided based on informationobtained by tracking AWs 110 or otherwise monitoring park areas (e.g.,ride exits and entrances) with monitoring sensors 104. Further, at theexit of certain or all attractions, a display may be provided toindicate the wait times for all attractions (e.g., all attractions inthe park or park area). For example, the exit area of the water slide142 includes a display 146 that may provide wait times for all of thesurrounding attractions (e.g., rides 148). The display 146 may evenprovide wait times for non-ride attractions, such as a wait time for arestaurant 150. The display 146 may be limited to display of wait timesfor attractions within a particular park area 152 (e.g., a park“village”). Also, within each park area 152, one or more wait timeboards 154 (e.g., centrally located displays 108) may indicate waittimes for all park attractions or attractions within the park area 152.Further still, before guests 120 place their portable devices (e.g.,mobile phones) into lockers 160, mobile applications may be used via themobile devices to ascertain wait times.

In one embodiment, the guest 120 enters the queue by walking to theattraction entry and walking through an entry portal. For example, theguest 120 may walk to the water slide 142 and walk through itsattraction station 166. Once the guest 120 walks through the portal 166,the guest's AW 110 will notify him/her (e.g., via a tone, vibration,illuminator) of being added to the virtual queue. This may be achievedby detecting the AW 110 with the monitoring sensor 104 at the attractionstation 166 and via aspects of the AW 110, which will be discussedfurther below. In another embodiment, the guest 120 may enter thevirtual queue by walking to a queue entry post 168, which may indicatethe name of the attraction and current wait time, and engaging the post168 with the AW 110. This may include tapping the AW 110 against orpositioning it near the post 168. The posts 168 may be located at theexit or entry of each attraction and at a central location within eachpark area 152 or village. In one embodiment, an individual post 168 maybe associated with only one attraction such that engaging with the post168 automatically enters the guest 120 in the virtual queue of theassociated attraction, e.g., the virtual queue is entered without anyguest selection between different attractions at the post 168, andtapping or engaging the post is the selection step for selecting theassociated attraction. In particular embodiments, the queue entry post168 and/or the attraction station 166, when positioned proximate anattraction, such as at an attraction entrance, may function as anentrance validator for guests already in a virtual queue.

The queue entry post 168 and the attraction station 166 may have similarfunctionality to one another for adding guests to a virtual queue. Inaddition, the attraction station 166, when positioned proximate theattraction, such as at the ride entry, may also include functionalityfor communicating if the guest has a valid entry position to theattraction. Validation may include near field communication with the AW110 to access the user identification associated with the AW 110 when aguest taps in to the attraction station 166. The user identification isthen communicated to a central virtual queue control system remote fromthe attraction station 166, which in turn accesses the real-time queueposition associated with the user identification AW 110, performsrules-based filtering, and provides a validation output of a valid or aninvalid position in the virtual queue for attraction entry. For example,in one example of rules-based filtering, when a guest position is at thefront of the virtual queue (position 1), the guest is validated foradmission. In other embodiments, when the guest position is in a frontgroup (e.g., positions 1-10), the guest is validated for admission. Inone embodiment, to encourage guests to return to the attraction forentry, all positions in the virtual queue less than a predeterminednumber (e.g., 10 or 5) are displayed as position 1 or are displayed onthe AW 110 or otherwise indicated as being valid for entry (e.g., tone,vibration, display). In another example, when guests in positions 1−x inthe virtual queue are not yet present at the attraction, and the guestis position x+1, the guest is validated. However, the value of x may bedefined to be relatively small (10 or less) so that guests are notencouraged to present themselves at an attraction well in advance ofgaining an entry position. Validity is indicated to the guest via nearfield communication to the AW 110 or one or both of a notification onthe AW 110 or via a notification on the attraction station 166 (e.g., atone or display).

Once the guest engages the queue entry post 168, the guest's AW 110 willnotify the guest (e.g., via a tone, vibration, illuminator) of beingadded to the virtual queue. For example, the AW 110 may receive a signalto cause the displayed information on the AW 110 to change. Further, thepost 168 may additionally or alternatively provide a notification ofsuccessful addition to the queue. The notification may be generatedand/or communicated by a central virtual queue control system to the AW110. In another embodiment, the notification is generated and/orcommunicated by the queue entry post 168. In yet another embodiment, theguest 120 may enter the virtual queue by walking to a virtual queuestation, which may be implemented as a queue kiosk 172 (e.g., a singledevice that displays the names and wait times for all virtual queuingattractions in the park or park area). Queue kiosks 172 may be locatedat the entry or exit of each attraction and in a central location withineach park area 152. The guest 120 selects the queue he/she wishes toenter and engages (e.g., taps) the kiosk with his/her AW 110. Once theguest 120 engages the queue kiosk 172, the guest's AW 110 will notifythe guest 120 (e.g., via a tone, vibration, illuminator) of being addedto the virtual queue. For example, the AW 110 may receive a signal tocause the displayed information on the AW 110 to change. Further, thekiosk 172 may additionally or alternatively provide a notification ofsuccessful addition to the queue. The notification to the AW 110 may becommunicated via a near field communicator of the queue kiosk 172.Alternatively, the notification to the AW 110 may be communicated via along or medium range communicator and may be communicated from a centralcontrol system and not from the queue kiosk 172.

In another embodiment, the guest 120 must physically go the area of aparticular attraction and engage with the designated queue entry post168 (e.g., an attraction station) for that attraction to enter thequeue. That is, virtual queue entry is mediated only via the designatedqueue entry post (or posts) 168 that are physically co-located with theattraction. In this manner, the guest is encouraged to see an individualride 148 and determine if the ride is of interest before entering theride virtual queue. The central queue control system receives thecommunication form the post 168 or kiosk 172 and adds the guest to theappropriate virtual queue. The addition may be based on a time stamp ora counter. For example, for attractions that have multiple tap-in posts168, the guests may be added based on the individual time stamp of thetap-in event and on a first-in basis.

In each of the embodiments discussed above, the guest's AW 110 maydisplay the estimated return time. For example, a display on the AW 110may provide a time (e.g., 5:02 PM) by which the guest should return toenter a loading group 122. This time may dynamically change depending onthe operational factors (e.g., current ride capacity, other guestsleaving the queue, guests with express (e.g., credentials toautomatically jump to the front of a physical and/or virtual queue) orvery important person (VIP) credentials entering the queue, inclementweather, and/or downtimes). In some embodiments, once the guest 120 hasentered a virtual queue (or some limited number of virtual queues), theguest 120 can no longer enter any other virtual queue unless he/sheleaves the current virtual queue, either by entering the ride or byentering a different virtual queue. For example, in one embodiment,engaging the post 168 of a ride or attraction overrides any previouslyexisting places in a virtual queue. In this manner, the guest 120 maytraverse the park and, upon noting a ride that is of greater interest orthat has a shorter wait time, may simply swipe the AW 110 to enter intoa new virtual queue and be automatically removed from a previous virtualqueue with one action, which permits the guest 120 to minimizeengagement with queue devices and enjoy the park experience.

Further, if more than one virtual queue can be entered, the differencebetween wait times for the available virtual queues may be set to be asufficient time for both to be entered taking into considerationvariables such as travel time between rides or attractions. The systemmay also artificially space multiple virtual queues to optimize thepatrons' day and transit time. In one embodiment, if there is no penaltyfor failure to arrive at a queued attraction, aside from not being ableto enter additional queues, the system may permit close-together timesbut may also account for a certain predicted percentage of no-shows. Inanother embodiment, the virtual queuing system may only be in effect ifthe wait time for the current attraction is greater than 10 minutes. Inanother embodiment, the guest 120 may be permitted to enter two virtualqueues at the same time, but may only enter a single virtual queue at atime that is associated with a ride designated as a low capacity ride.For example, certain park rides may have relatively low capacity and,therefore, may develop longer virtual queues than higher capacity rides,which are capable of moving a greater number of guests through the ridein a given period of time. To control the virtual queue length of lowercapacity rides, the virtual queue system as provided herein may, incertain embodiments, prevent the guest 120 from entering two lowcapacity ride virtual queues simultaneously. For example, when the guest120 is already entered in a low capacity queue, engaging with thedesignated post 168 of a second low capacity ride may trigger a warningmessage displayed on a display of the post 168, e.g., “GUESTS IN LINEFOR DINOSAUR ADVENTURE MAY NOT ENTER THE LINE FOR VOLCANO RUSH. WOULDYOU LIKE TO EXIT THE LINE FOR DINOSAUR ADVENTURE TO JOIN THE LINE FORVOLCANO RUSH?” The post 168 may then receive a guest selection of YES orNO. If the guest 120 selects no, the engagement with the post 168 of thesecond low capacity ride is ended. If the guest 120 selects YES, theguest 120 is added to the virtual queue of the second low capacity rideand automatically removed from the virtual queue of the first lowcapacity ride.

Present embodiments facilitate monitoring or waiting in the virtualqueue. Guests 120 may wait in the virtual queue by experiencinginstantaneous capacity attractions (e.g., a wave pool, swimming pool,splash pad, lazy river, a ride with no wait time), visiting food,beverage, or merchandising locations, or simply relaxing (e.g., restingin a lounge chair). If an attraction wait time of a virtual queuechanges, this information may be provided via the communication system106 to the AW 110, which will notify the wearing guest 120 and displaythe updated wait time. If a guest 120 wishes to leave a current virtualqueue for another virtual queue, he/she can do so by just joining a newvirtual queue as set forth in the description of the various embodimentsabove. If a guest leaves the park (or, in some cases, a park area) whilewaiting in a virtual queue, he/she is automatically removed from anyvirtual queues he/she is currently in. Present embodiments may establishno geographical limits within the park while waiting in a virtual queueand guests 120 may be free to go to any location and perform any taskwithin the park.

Present embodiments encourage initiating and participating in attractionexperiences. In some embodiments, the virtual queuing system 100 willnotify the guest 120 prior to the guest's ride time. To determine theamount of prior notification time, the system 100 will utilize multiplefactors to optimize capacity: current wait time at the attraction,current distance of the guest 120 away from the attraction, the guest'scurrent activity, and the guest's history for arrival speeds fromprevious virtual queues. Once the guest is notified, the guest 120travels to the attraction entrance and walks to the load platform, whichaccommodates the limited standby group 122. These factors or variablesare monitored by the computer system 102 (e.g., a network of computers302), which includes at least one processor 304 and at least one memory306, via communication with the monitoring sensors 104. To ensure thatthe attraction throughput is not starved, a small standby group 122(less than 10 minutes) may be formed prior to the load platform at eachattraction. Once a guest reaches the load platform and enters the ride,he/she is removed from the current virtual queue. After experiencing theattraction, guests 120 can join another virtual queue as described above(e.g., a post, kiosk, or the like located in the exit path of theattraction).

Present embodiments also facilitate communication and management ofadditional data related to park management. For example, the AW 110 mayalso perform functions other than facilitating queue access.Specifically, the AW 110 may operate as an identification device usedfor cashless purchases and for validation to access controlled areas. Insome embodiments, guest photographs are automatically taken while oneach attraction, as triggered by the AW 110. Such photographs can bepurchased by the guest 120 via an Internet portal (e.g., website, app,kiosk). Further, information may be automatically logged by the virtualqueuing system 100 for data analysis. This information may include:experienced attractions (including count and order of visit), wait timefor each attraction, time it takes for the guest to return to theattraction once notified, entry time into the park, exit time out of thepark, amount of money spent via cashless system.

In accordance with present embodiments, guests to the theme park shallreceive a wearable prior to entering the park (e.g., at the park's frontgate) or at least prior to entering a portion of the park. The AW 110will be linked to the guest's personal profile account on a database andwill be configured to interact with kiosks distributed throughout thepark. This interaction between the AW 110 and the kiosks will allow theguest to reserve and order items in the park. For example, a guest mayreserve VQ slots, cabanas, lockers, towels, etc., using self-servekiosks, enter and secure lockers and cabanas, and allows guests topurchase food, beverages, and items using the credit card attached tothe guest profile in the database. When leaving the park, guests will beprompted to return the wearable; the returned wearable is noted to theiraccount, the payment method is disassociated with the returned wearable,and the device is ready to be cleaned for reuse the next day.

Guests enter virtual queues at the entrances to certain attractions(e.g., rides). Guests secure entry to virtual queues by tapping thewearable at the virtual queue reservation point, kiosk, or ride entrystation, which may be positioned at the ride entrances. Once secured,the wearable continues to receive updated information from the parksystem and wait times are updated and displayed on the guest's wearable.In some embodiments, guests can enter a maximum of two virtual queuesand have the virtual queue status displayed on their wearable at any onetime. In accordance with present embodiments, attractions in a park maybe divided into two classes (e.g., those with a long lead time and thosewith shorter lead times) and the two VQs a single guest may enter at anyone time may be limited to one of each type.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an AW 110 in accordance withpresent embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the AW 110 includesa housing 400 in the form of a bracelet. However, in other embodiments,it may include a necklace, a headband, a ring, or other convenientlywearable item. A device 402 may be imbedded in the housing 400. Thedevice 402 may include several separate or unified components thatperform certain functions. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 402includes a memory/identifier 404, a power module 406, a display 408, anindicator 410, a near field communicator 412, a medium rangecommunicator 414, and a long range communicator 416. In someembodiments, these features may be limited. For example, one or both ofthe medium range communicator 414, and the long range communicator 416may be receivers only. In other embodiments, the near field communicator412, the medium range communicator 414, and the long range communicator416 are transceivers. Further, the disclosed communicators mayimplemented as RFID communicators that are active or passive. In someembodiments, the memory/identifier 404 may include a simple identifier(e.g., an RFID tag), which the system 100 associates with a guest 120.In operation, the device 402 may operate to at least receive informationfrom the system 100 to provide the user with information (e.g., a returntime for a ride). Further, an indicator (e.g., a light, a vibrationmechanism, or an audio feature) may provide feedback to the guest 120.Specifically, the device 402 may communicate with the system 100 via thecommunication system 106. In some embodiments, this may includecommunication from the device 402 to the system 100. However, in otherembodiments, detecting the device 402 throughout the park area using themonitoring sensors 104 and analyzing such data with the system 100 mayprovide information related to the device 402 (e.g., wait timesexperienced by the user 120 associated with the device 402). In someembodiments, the AW 110 may be essentially passive and indications(e.g., confirmation sounds) may be provided by the system 100 (e.g., aspeaker announcing a nickname of the wearer being entered into aparticular virtual queue).

The AW 110 may be designed as a one-size fits all for average guest agesthree (3) years and older. The AW 110 may include components configuredto securely and wirelessly communicate, via short, medium and longranges. For example, the AW 110 may be configured to facilitatecommunication with software databases (e.g., a database including guestinformation) and other VQ databases. Guests may be given a wearable,which is connected to VQ and park databases such that the guest's uniqueguest account can be accessed. The AW 110 may be configured to maintaina secure coupling with a guest, avoid water damage, and so forth whenworn all day and riding dynamic body waterslides among otherexperiences.

The AW 110 is configured for certain functionality based on tapping,e.g., near field communication using a near field communicator 412 tocommunicate with a corresponding device. In one embodiment, the AW 110may be configured to have the following functionality: ability to entera VQ by tapping a VQ entry device (e.g., virtual queue kiosk 172); andability to validate a guest's VQ allocation by tapping the wearable to aride validation device (e.g., at an attraction station 166). Additionalfunctionality of the AW 110 may include:

-   (1) allowing a single tap (e.g., communication with a tap-point,    which may include a wireless communication device such as an RFID    reader) to associate a wearable with a guest account;-   (2) allowing coordination with a tap-point at a kiosk to reserve a    cabana, towel, lounge chair, or to access a user's profile;-   (3) allowing coordination with a tap-point at a point-of-sale (POS)    system to purchase food, beverages or merchandise;-   (4) allowing coordination with a tap-point at a kiosk to reserve a    locker;-   (5) allowing coordination with a tap-point at a locker to open a    fixed locker;-   (6) allowing coordination with a tap-point at a locker to open a    mobile locker;-   (7) allowing coordination with a tap-point at a special effects    station to trigger pre-programmed effects (e.g., light show, water    effects, selfie station); and-   (8) allowing a medium range reader to coordinate detection of a    specific wearable with a database to inform a photo system of a    user's identity.

Other functionality may be mediated by medium or long rangecommunication, including:

-   (1) ability to display current VQ status on the wearable;-   (2) ability to receive updated VQ status wirelessly to the wearable;-   (3) ability to display a VQ progress indication without wireless    signal;-   (4) allowing a medium range reader to coordinate detection of a    specific wearable with a database to establish location awareness    for user heat mapping and tracking; and-   (5) facilitating provision of alerts and messages displayed on the    wearable via wireless signal, near field communication (NFC) and    ultra-high frequency (UHF).

The AW 110 may include no connectors. The AW 110 may be configured towirelessly and securely output an identification (ID) that is connectedto the guest account in a park database and a VQ database. The AW 110may be configured to display information via an electronic display. TheAW 110 may be configured to transmit and receive data wirelessly, atapproximate distances represented by:

-   1. Near field: less than five (5) centimeters (two-way    proximity)-send/receive via the near field communicator 412;-   2. Medium range: up to anywhere between one-half (0.5) and six (6)    meters (one-way medium range)-send via the medium range communicator    414; and-   3. Long range: up to anywhere between 10 to 100 meters (one way    and/or two-way long range, depending upon wireless technology    selected) via the long range communicator. In one embodiment, the    long range communicator may be a receiver only and may not be    capable of two-way communication.

The AW 110 may incorporate a battery powered system configured toprovide continuous power to the wearable which exceeds 100 days of 12hour per day normal guest usage. This requirement representsapproximately one (1) year of guest usage. The AW 110 may be configuredto communicate at approximately less than five (5) centimeters betweenwearable to tap point. Latency target associated with this may be lessthan 100 milliseconds. With respect to two-way proximity communication,the AW 110 may be configured to communicate wirelessly approximately atless than five (5) centimeters between the wearable to tap point.Latency target associated with this may be less than 100 milliseconds.The AW 110 may be configured to send identification information to atap-point module, and the tap-point module will return with VQ data fora particular attraction (e.g., ride). With respect to medium range (<6m) wireless communication, the AW 110 may communicate wirelessly atdistances of approximately up to one half (0.5) to (6) meters, at speedsup to 10 km/h. With respect to long range (10-100 m) communication, theAW 110 may be configured to communicate wirelessly, at distancesapproximately up to 10 to 100 meters such that data is received onceevery ten (10) minutes. With respect to standards and protocols, the AW110 may be configured to meet ISO 14443 specification requirements forNFC communication. Mifare, DesFire or other functional equivalent tagtype compliance with all levels of ISO 14443 specifications withadvanced encryption standard (AES) hardware cryptographic engine shallbe used for security application. Microcontroller unit (MCU) with AESencryption engine may be used to develop enhanced authenticationprotocol for two-way proximity and medium range communication. Longrange aspects may be configured to support an appropriate securitymanagement layer.

The AW 110 may be configured to record and store the latest VQ datareceived by the software system. For example, the AW 110 may beconfigured to store information as required by the locker system. The AW110 may contain active and passive communication devices, which can betapped on specific tap points within the park to communicate a wearableID to an associated database. In one embodiment, a total latency fromtap point to system response will be <250 milliseconds. The AWs 110 mayalso be configured to receive dynamic (wireless) updates as well asallow the system to track wearables as they pass through proximitydetection portals.

The AW 110 may be configured to receive initial VQ data at a VQallocation tap-point. Once the data is received from the initial VQallocation tap-point, the AW 110 may receive dynamic VQ updates at aminimum rate of every ten (10) minutes, or as required to maximizebattery capacity while still updating guests on a schedule that isperceived to be relevant by the guests while on the park premises.

The AW 110 may be configured to receive, store, and display informationassociated with up to two virtual queues (or more). For example, VQ dataassigned to other guests associated with a guest may be displayed. VQdata for display on the AW 110 may include:

-   1. When a new VQ is added; activated at the virtual queue allocation    tap-point;-   2. When the wearable is activated; and-   3. When a VQ time is within 15 minutes of the guest's entry window    (e.g., when the guest can ride); and Fifteen (15) minutes prior to    the guest's entry window, the AW 110 may start and display a    countdown. The countdown may be a numeric countdown (with different    time period updates) (1 sec, 1 min, 15 min, etc). The countdown    update rate may adjust as the patron's ride time gets closer to the    actual time (e.g. 15 min left, the clock updates every 30 seconds    instead of every 5 min). The countdown may also be a graphical    representation of time remaining (progress bar, hourglass, analog    clock) or a color representation of time remaining (Red, Yellow,    Green).

The AW 110 may be configured to interact with proximity detectiondevices which will enable guest location tracking by communicating withwalk-through portals located throughout the park. The AW 110 may beconfigured to interact with proximity detection of a photo system.

The AW 110 may include a display that is readable in direct sunlight.Further, the AW 110 may be configured such that no active cooling isrequired, to withstand daily cleaning in a dedicated wearable washersubjected to temperatures no greater than 60° C., and to withstand milddetergents (including bleach and/or iodine) for disinfecting. The AW 110may contain self-testing firmware that cycles through a self-test andindicate that all systems are running properly or indicate that the AW110 requires service. The AW 110 may include a battery that providescontinuous power to the wearable which exceeds 100 days of 12 hours perday of normal guest usage; battery life. This requirement representsapproximately one (1) year of guest usage. The AW 110 may be configuredsuch that it has a unit life that exceeds 100 days of normal guestusage, which corresponds to approximately 1 year. The AW 110 may beconfigured to withstand daily inspection, cleaning, and self-testing.The AW 110 may have no internal serviceable parts. The AW 110 may beconfigured to function properly between 0° C. and 45° C. at 100%humidity. The AW 110 may be configured to operate after storageconditions between 0° C. and 60° C. The AW 110 may be configured to havea minimum Submersible IP68 rating for:

-   1. Dust tight; and-   2. Immersion in pool water to a depth of one (1) meter for 30    minutes.

The AW 110 may be configured to withstand prolonged one (1) hourexposure to temperatures of 40° C. environmental conditions and then besubjected to being submerged into 16° C. fresh water for five (5)minutes. The AW 110 may be configured to function properly as designed,with minimal cosmetic impacts, when dropped from a height of three (3)feet onto a flat concrete surface. Further, the AW 110 may be configuredto continue to function properly as designed, regardless of cosmeticimpact, when dropped from a height of ten (10) feet onto a flat concretesurface. The AW 110 may be configured to exhibit no mechanical defectswhen exposed to the equivalent of 3,000 hours of full sunlight exposure.This may be confirmed by testing in accordance with ISO 4892 UVExposure: Plastics—Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources. TheAW 110 may be configured to exhibit minimal discoloration when exposedto the equivalent of 3,000 hours of full sunlight exposure. This may betested in accordance with ASTM E1347 Standard Practice for ColorAnalysis. The AW 110 may be configured to not cause skin irritation,rash, discoloration, or other negative effect when worn continuously for12 hours. The AW 110 may include a wearable/clasp assembly, thatmaintains a tensile strength between five (5) and thirty (30) pounds persquare inch to ensure the wearable remains attached to the guest duringnormal use, but will break free from the guest without causing injurywhen caught or snagged on an unintended obstacle. The AW 110 may beconfigured to continue to function properly, with minimal cosmeticimpact, when subjected to a gravitational impact of two (2) Gs. This maybe demonstrated by testing in accordance with ASTM D256-10 Standard TestMethods for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics.The AW 110 may be configured to continue to function properly, withminimal cosmetic impact, when subjected to five (5) hours of vibrationat prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) of 0.02, to simulatethe vibration of truck delivered shipping. This may be demonstrated bytesting in accordance with SAE J1455.

The AW 110 may be configured to exhibit minimal cosmetic damage whenexposed to the equivalent of five (5) days or 50 hours of normal guestuse in a water park. This may be tested in accordance with ASTMD7027-13, Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Scratch Resistance ofPolymeric Coatings and Plastics using an Instrumented Scratch Machine.The display of the AW 110 may be configured to exhibit minimal cosmeticdamage when exposed to the equivalent of 5 days or 50 hours of use in awater park. This may be tested in accordance with ASTM F735-11, StandardTest Method for Abrasion Resistance of Transparent Plastics and CoatingsUsing the Oscillating Sand Method. The AW 110 may be configured to notnegatively react mechanically or cosmetically when exposed to thefollowing: fresh water, pool chlorine, soda, blood, sweat, tears,alcohol, vomit, sunscreen, insect repellant, urine, or saliva. The AW110 may be configured to operate nominally with no adverse effects in apool water environment with the following water quality conditions:

-   1. pH-range: 7.3 to 7.8;-   2. Chlorine range-range: 1.0 to 10.0;-   3. Total alkalinity-range: 70 to 120;-   4. Calcium hardness-range: 200 to 400; and-   5. Total dissolved solids-average: 1500.

A VQ tap-point, which may be implemented as an attraction station 166,virtual queue post 168, and/or virtual queue kiosk 172, as well aslocker rental stations, cabana rental stations, special effects stationsetc., may include hardware electrical components that are configured toprovide a generic unit to be installed inside of themed enclosures. VQtap-points may be configured to securely and wirelessly communicate withVQ wearables and other types of radio-frequency identification(RFID)/NFC chips within the HF-ISO 14443 AB range and may include wiredcommunication to a software database. The VQ tap-point may include aRFID proximity reader, outputs for visual indication of the read LED'swithin the module, and outputs to connect to the software database. A VQtap-point may include mounting features (e.g., quick disconnects andoutdoor rated plugs) to allow it to be easily replaced with simple handtools. The VQ tap-point includes features for outward visual indicationof successful/unsuccessful tap/notification of exception or errordisplay.

With respect to user experiences with VQ tap-point and VQ wearables, asguests “tap” the module (e.g., establish communication between the AW110 and the VQ tap-point), the following may occur in certainembodiments:

-   1. Mode 1: Activate VQ wearable from a standby state upon guest    entry to the park;-   2. Mode 2: Read VQ wearable to secure a position in the virtual    queue;-   3. Mode 3: Read VQ wearable to enter the attraction (e.g., ride);-   4. Mode 4: Read VQ wearable to check VQ reservation;-   5. Mode 5: Read VQ wearable to notify guest of an exception; and-   6. Mode 6: Guest is notified on the AW 110, by way of tap, that    there has been an exception in their VQ. This could be a ride    closure, park closure or overall error.

The VQ tap-point may be configured to receive data two ways: (1)wirelessly from the wearable at distances of less than five centimeter,and (2) via wired Ethernet connection from the software database. The VQtap-point may contain a main tap point, as well as I/O for asupplemental tap point. Light (or other) outputs may be red, green, blueor white (RGBW) in color and may be mountable into lenses of the themedenclosures. Quantity of lights may be determined based on design of themodule, i.e. two (2) eyes in a face theme, and so forth. The VQtap-point may emit sounds via external speakers between 100 Hz-5 kHz, upto 80 dB, measured at one (1) meter, and may also contain an optionalsecondary output for a subwoofer. The VQ tap-point may display riderelevant information (e.g., current ride wait time, current time of dayand so forth) via, for example, a full color display, and may displayguest photos on another separate display; viewable by park team members.In one embodiment, the VQ tap-point may contain a microphone forautomatic adjustments to the gain of the loudspeaker. The VQ tap-pointmay also have a hardwired Ethernet connection to the software system(s).

With respect to two-way proximity communication (distance and latency),the VQ tap-point may communicate at less than five (5) centimeters froma wearable to tap point. Target latency may be less than 100milliseconds. The VQ tap-point may receive identification data from a VQwearable, may send that data to the software database to determine VQtime, receive VQ time back from database, and wirelessly communicate thevirtual queue time to the AW 110. The wearable ID, VQ location and VQtime may be written to the park database.

With respect to communication with other network systems, the VQtap-point may communicate with the virtual queue database and otherdatabases (e.g., park databases). ISO 14443 may be used forcommunication if NFC is the proposed solution. A multiport control unit(MCU) with AES encryption engine, along with 14443 A/B NFC transponder,may be used to develop enhanced authentication protocol for two-wayproximity. Regarding performance of taps in accordance with presentembodiments, guests may tap their VQ wearable to the VQ tap-pointhardware to enter virtual queues. Also guests may tap an attraction(e.g., ride) validation module hardware to verify an entitlement whenthe guest has waited in the virtual queue to physically enter the ride.The VQ tap-point may respond to the tap with appropriate sounds andlights. Total system target latency from tap to system response may beless than or equal to 250 milliseconds.

The VQ tap-point may receive updated VQ times each time a guest taps in.Further, the VQ tap-point may respond in multiple ways:

-   1. VQ mode—to indicate success/failure of VQ transaction.-   2. Return mode—to indicate guest availability to ride; time, correct    ride, and so forth.

The VQ tap-point may receive updated ride wait times to be displayedevery one minute. The VQ tap-point may function properly between 0° C.to 45° C., at 100% humidity. The VQ tap-point may survive storageconditions between −10° C. to 60° C., at 90% humidity. With respect toingress protection, the VQ tap-point may be designed as a NEMA Type 4.The VQ tap-point may continue to function properly when dropped from aheight of three (3) feet onto a flat concrete surface. Packaging maycompletely protect the module from any cosmetic or functional defectswhen a box is dropped from a height of five (5) feet onto a flatconcrete surface.

Portions of the VQ tap-point that are subjected to direct or indirectsunlight during normal use may comply with UL 746C. The VQ tap-point maycontinue to function properly, with minimal cosmetic impact, whensubjected to 5 hours of vibration testing at PSD of 0.02; to simulatevibration of trucking/shipping. Testing may be performed in accordancewith SAE J1455. The VQ tap-point may be designed such that it does notnegatively react, mechanically or cosmetically, when exposed to thefollowing conditions: fresh water, pool chlorine, soda, blood, sweat,tears, alcohol, vomit, sunscreen, insect repellant, urine, or saliva.Electro static discharge compliance of the VQ tap-point may be inaccordance with IEC 61000-4-2 ESD Immunity Testing. The VQ tap-point mayexhibit no mechanical and minimal cosmetic damage when exposed to theequivalent of 3,000 hours of salt spray exposure. Testing of this may bedone in accordance with ASTM B117-11 Standard Practice for OperatingSalt Spray (Fog) Apparatus. The VQ tap-point may comply with Restrictionof Hazardous Substance Directive 2002/95/EC. Aspects of the VQ tap-pointmay be easily replaceable and connectable using outdoor rated pluggableconnections for the following components:

-   1. Displays;-   2. Power;-   3. Speakers;-   4. Network;-   5. Antenna modules; and-   6. Tap.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a virtual queue system 500 that may beimplemented to manage queues in a theme park. The system 500 includespark devices 501 such as a virtual queue control system 502 incommunication with one or more VQ tap-points. While the system isdepicted with an embodiment including an attraction station 166 andvirtual queuing station 172, it should be understood that these areexamples of park devices 501 that are included in the system 500, andthat other VQ tap-points or park devices 501 may be included that havesimilar hardware components. In addition, the functionality of thevirtual queue system 500 may be distributed between the park devices 501and the AW 110. In one embodiment, the central controller functionalityis implemented via the virtual queue control system 502, which is remotefrom the attraction stations 166. Each park ride or attraction may beassociated with one or more dedicated virtual attraction stations 166that receive queue inputs from guests. That is, in certain embodiments,each attraction station 166 may facilitate entry into the virtual queueof only one attraction. One or both of the virtual queue control system502 and the virtual queuing station 172 may include communicationscircuitry (e.g., communications circuitry 504 or 552), such as antennas,radio transceiver circuits, and signal processing hardware and/orsoftware (e.g., hardware or software filters, A/D converters,multiplexers amplifiers), or a combination thereof, and that may beconfigured to communicate over wired or wireless communication paths viaIR wireless communication, satellite communication, broadcast radio,Microwave radio, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wifi, UHF, NFC, etc. Suchcommunication may also include intermediate communications devices, suchas radio towers. In one embodiment, the communication between theattraction station 166 and the virtual queue control system 502 iswired.

In addition, one or both of the virtual queue controller or controlsystem 502 and the virtual queuing station 172 may include a memorydevice (e.g., memory device 508 or 510) for storing instructionsexecutable by a processor (e.g., processor 512 or 514) to perform themethods and control actions described herein. For example, the processor512 may execute instructions for dynamic virtual queue management basedon inputs from the virtual queuing station 172 as well as data on guestentry into a ride and guest exit from a park. Additional inputs todynamic queue management may include guest location within the park. Forexample, a reminder to return to the attraction may be based at least inpart on the guest's location relative to the attraction, as determinedvia wireless signal or global positioning system (GPS) information fromthe guest active wearable or by a guest's last tap-in location with thevirtual queuing station or other tap-in device. The system 500 may storeguest locations during a park visit to create an accessible log of guestlocations within the park for use in predicting guest current and futurelocations. If the guest is estimated to be located within a firstdistance or within a first zone relative to the attraction, the returnreminder or message is sent to return within a first time (e.g., “YOUCAN LEAVE IN 20 MINUTES FOR VOLCANO RUSH”), which accounts for a shortertravel time to the attraction. If the guest is instead in a farthersecond zone or a farther estimated second distance, the return reminderor message accounts for the longer travel time by providing an earlierreturn time (e.g., “PLAN TO LEAVE IN 5 MINUTES FOR VOLCANO RUSH”), toaccount for longer walking times to the attraction. In this manner,guests at similar positions in the virtual queue but at differentlocations within the park are estimated to return to the attractionwithin the same approximate time window.

The processor may include one or more processing devices, and the memorymay include one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readablemedia. By way of example, such machine-readable media can include RAM,ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used tocarry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executableinstructions or data structures and which can be accessed by theprocessor or by other processor-based devices (e.g., mobile devices).For example, the virtual queue control system 502 or the virtual queuingstation 172 may be accessed by an operator interface 520, e.g., acomputer-based workstation or a mobile device, and/or may include aninput/output interface 516 and a display (e.g., display 532).

The virtual queuing station 172 or the attraction station 166 receivessignals (e.g., wireless signals, such a RF signals) from a guest AW 110.The AW 110 may, in one embodiment, tap in to the virtual queuing station(e.g., via a hand wave or via positioning the AW 110 within the readingzone of the virtual queuing station 172) where it send the signal viaNFC and receives signal back and updates via NFC. Additionally,components of the system (e.g., the virtual queuing station 172 and/orthe AW 110) may be actively listening for a wireless broadcast and mayupdate the display upon receipt of the appropriate broadcast. Anotheroption is a system where the attraction stations 166 are dumb/passiveand the AW 110 reads the totem location and transmits the requestthrough a wireless network bypassing the need to have the virtualqueuing station 172 read the AW 110. These signals may, in turn, becommunicated to the virtual queue control system 502 to add the guestassociated with the AW 110 to the virtual queue.

While the attraction station 166 may also facilitate guest entry into avirtual queue in a manner similar to the virtual queuing station 172 andmay include similar components (e.g., memory 556, processor 554,communications circuitry 552), the attraction station 166 may also beimplemented as an automatic gate or reader such that the AW 110 as itpasses through the attraction station 166 is automatically read and theguest associated with the AW 110 is indicated as entering the ride and,therefore, is automatically removed from the virtual queue. It should beunderstood that certain features of the virtual queue control system 502may additionally or alternatively be implemented locally at theattraction station 166. Further, the attraction station 166 may alsoinclude notification devices 558 such as one or more of a display,speaker, lights, to indicate successful validation of the AW 110 forride entry.

The virtual queue system 500 may, in certain embodiments, manage a totalguest experience to ensure that an individual guest may experience aminimum number of rides or experiences per day. For example, based onthe virtual queue load for various attractions, the virtual queue system500 may permit entry into a predetermined number of queues at thebeginning of the day. Alternatively, the virtual queue system 500 maydynamically present ride options to each guest at a central kiosk (e.g.,queue kiosk 172, see FIG. 1). That is, while in certain embodiments, thevirtual queue control system is implemented without any central queuekiosk that permits selection and virtual queue entry to multiple queuesof different attractions at a single device and within a singleinteraction, in other embodiments one or more central kiosks may mediateentry into multiple virtual queues at once.

While only certain features of the present embodiments have beenillustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes willoccur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understoodthat the appended claims are intended to cover all such modificationsand changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.Further, it should be understood that certain elements of the disclosedembodiments may be combined or exchanged with one another.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A virtual queue system comprising: at leastone wearable device comprising: a near field communicator; a mediumrange communicator; a long range communicator; and a display; a controlsystem storing instructions that, when executed, cause the controlsystem to: assign a user identification associated with the at least onewearable device to a position within a virtual queue for an attractionbased on communication with the near field communicator; and communicateto one or both of the medium range communicator and the long rangecommunicator the position assigned to the user identification within thevirtual queue to cause the at least one wearable device to display acountdown on the display indicative of an estimated time remainingbefore valid entry to the attraction; and an attraction station locatedproximate the attraction and comprising a station near fieldcommunicator configured to validate access to the attraction based onconfirmation of the user identification, received from the at least onewearable device via the near field communicator, being associated withthe position in the virtual queue corresponding to an entry position ofthe virtual queue for the attraction; and wherein one or both of the atleast one wearable device or the attraction station is configured togenerate a notification that the at least one wearable device isassociated with a valid access to the attraction.
 2. The virtual queuesystem of claim 1, wherein the attraction station is located at anentrance to the attraction.
 3. The virtual queue system of claim 1,wherein the attraction station grants access to a load platform to usersin the virtual queue.
 4. The virtual queue system of claim 1, whereinthe position is a numbered position of the virtual queue.
 5. The virtualqueue system of claim 1, wherein the entry position is a numberedposition of less than
 10. 6. The virtual queue system of claim 1,wherein the user identification is removed from the virtual queue basedon a signal received at the attraction station.
 7. A virtual queuesystem comprising: at least one wearable device comprising: a near fieldcommunicator; a medium range communicator; a long range communicator;and a display; a control system storing instructions that, whenexecuted, cause the control system to: assign a user identificationassociated with the at least one wearable device to a position within avirtual queue for an attraction based on communication with the nearfield communicator; and communicate to one or both of the medium rangecommunicator and the long range communicator, the position assigned tothe user identification within the virtual queue to cause the at leastone wearable device to display a countdown on the display when theposition is within a predetermined time from valid entry to theattraction; and an attraction station proximate the attraction andcomprising: a station near field communicator configured to validateaccess to the attraction based on confirmation of the useridentification, received from the at least one wearable device via thenear field communicator, being associated with the position in thevirtual queue corresponding to an entry position of the virtual queuefor the attraction.
 8. The virtual queue system of claim 7, wherein thecountdown is automatically displayed on the display when the position iswithin the predetermined time from valid entry to the attraction.
 9. Thevirtual queue system of claim 7, wherein the countdown comprises one ormore of a numeric countdown, a graphical display, a message, or a colordisplay.
 10. The virtual queue system of claim 7, wherein the countdownstarts counting down from the predetermined time.
 11. The virtual queuesystem of claim 7, wherein the predetermined time is an estimated timeto the entry position based on the position within the virtual queue.12. The virtual queue system of claim 11, wherein the estimated time isbased on historical virtual queue data associated with the attraction.13. The virtual queue system of claim 11, wherein the estimated time isfixed.
 14. The virtual queue system of claim 11, wherein the estimatedtime dynamically updates based on new data.
 15. A virtual queuing systemcomprising: at least one wearable device comprising: a near fieldcommunicator; a medium range communicator; a long range communicator;and a display; a virtual queue station comprising a station near fieldcommunicator that receives a user identification from the near fieldcommunicator of the at least one wearable device; and a virtual queuecontrol system configured to receive the user identification, whereinreceiving the user identification causes the virtual queue controlsystem to execute instructions to: assign the user identificationassociated with the at least one wearable device to a position within avirtual queue for an attraction based on communication with the stationnear field communicator; and communicate to one or both of the mediumrange communicator and the long range communicator the position withinthe virtual queue assigned to the user identification and positions ofother wearable devices associated with the user identification to causethe at least one wearable device to display the position and thewearable devices associated with the user identification.
 16. Thevirtual queue system of claim 15, wherein the long range communicator isa passive RFID transceiver.
 17. The virtual queue system of claim 15,wherein the medium field communicator is a transmitter and does notinclude a receiver.
 18. The virtual queue system of claim 15, whereinthe near field communicator is an RFID transceiver.
 19. A virtual queuesystem comprising: at least one wearable device comprising: a near fieldcommunicator a medium range communicator; a long range communicator; anda display; a control system storing instructions that, when executed,cause the control system to: assign a user identification associatedwith the at least one wearable device to a position within a virtualqueue for an attraction based on communication with the near fieldcommunicator; and communicate to one or both of the medium rangecommunicator and the long range communicator the position assigned tothe user identification within the virtual queue to the at least onewearable device associated with the user identification; an attractionstation located proximate the attraction and comprising a station nearfield communicator configured to validate access to the attraction basedon confirmation of the user identification, received from the at leastone wearable device via the near field communicator, being associatedwith the position in the virtual queue corresponding to an entryposition of the virtual queue for the attraction; wherein one or both ofthe at least one wearable device or the attraction station is configuredto generate a notification that the at least one wearable device isassociated with a valid access to the attraction; and a special effectsstation configured to trigger a pre-programmed special effect inresponse to receiving a signal from the near field communicator, whereinthe pre-programmed special effect is a light show or a water effect. 20.The virtual queue system of claim 19, wherein the special effectsstation does not store the user identification.
 21. The virtual queuesystem of claim 19, wherein the at least one wearable devicecommunicates directly with the special effects station to trigger thepre-programmed effect or to validate the user identification.
 22. Thevirtual queue system of claim 1, wherein the countdown is configured toupdate at a time interval determined by a countdown update rate.
 23. Thevirtual queue system of claim 22, wherein the countdown update rate isconfigured to adjust based on the estimated time remaining before validentry to the attraction.
 24. The virtual queue system of claim 1,wherein the countdown is configured to display a message indicative ofthe valid entry.
 25. The virtual queue system of claim 1, wherein theestimated time remaining is based on the position assigned to the useridentification within the virtual queue.
 26. A virtual queue systemcomprising: at least one wearable device comprising: a near fieldcommunicator a medium range communicator; a long range communicator; anda display; a control system storing instructions that, when executed,cause the control system to: assign a user identification associatedwith the at least one wearable device to a position within a virtualqueue for an attraction based on communication with the near fieldcommunicator; and communicate to one or both of the medium rangecommunicator and the long range communicator the position assigned tothe user identification within the virtual queue to the at least onewearable device associated with the user identification; an attractionstation located proximate the attraction and comprising a station nearfield communicator configured to validate access to the attraction basedon confirmation of the user identification, received from the at leastone wearable device via the near field communicator, being associatedwith the position in the virtual queue corresponding to an entryposition of the virtual queue for the attraction; wherein one or both ofthe at least one wearable device or the attraction station is configuredto generate a notification that the at least one wearable device isassociated with a valid access to the attraction; and a special effectsstation configured to trigger a pre-programmed special effect inresponse to receiving a signal from the near field communicator, whereinthe pre-programmed special effect causes the special effects station tocapture an image.
 27. The virtual queue system of claim 26, wherein thespecial effects station does not store the user identification.
 28. Thevirtual queue system of claim 26, wherein the at least one wearabledevice communicates directly with the special effects station to triggerthe pre-programmed effect or to validate the user identification.